Intel releases fastest ultrabook processor Core i7-6660U
Intel has released a single new processor. It concerns the Core i7-6660U, which is now the fastest U-chip for ultrabooks. The Skylake dual-core runs 0.2GHz faster than its predecessor, which is likely to be phased out.
Intel has released a new price list for its processors and often this is accompanied by the introduction of new chips. However, the March 20 list only includes one new processor: the Core i7-6660U. This is a Skylake processor produced at 14nm for ultrabooks. The Core i7-6660U combines two cores with a clock speed of 2.4GHz and a TDP of 15W.
The CPU has a 200MHz higher clock speed than the Core i7-6650U, which was the fastest Core i7 in the U-line for ultrabooks to date. Since the Core i7-6660U and the Core i7-6650U are both listed for a bulk price of $415, the latter is likely to be phased out.
The GPU of the 6660U is not on the price list, but it is almost certainly again the Iris Graphics 540, or the GT3e with 48 execution units and 64MB edram. The first ultrabooks and laptops with the new chip will probably be released in the coming months.
| Core i7-6660U | 2/4 | 4MB | 2.4GHz | – | $415 |
| Core i7-6650U | 2/4 | 4MB | 2.2GHz | $415 | $415 |